School kids giving up gum, a party girl giving up drinking, not playing on the computer for 40 days, no meat on Fridays (except fish of course)-- minor inconveniences really. Nothing compared to giving your life for another--which is what the sacrifice in Easter is all about--but I think God understands that we are still the foolish and weak people that Abraham and Moses had to deal with. Just as any parent gladly accepts the bouquet of dandelions from their child, so God accepts our simple attempt to show our intention for Lent.
Its Ash Wednesday today, the beginning of Lent. People are talking about what they're going to give up--I always find it interesting to hear the variety of ideas people have about it. From true sacrifice to flippant throwaways, people of all ages and religious affiliations seem to respond to the call of the church to deny ourselves of something to prepare for the Easter season.
I realize that many people don't understand the meaning behind the "What are you giving up for Lent?" question but answer it anyway and I think that God appreciates the uneducated, unsophisticated, and sometimes puny attempts at sacrifice. He also recognizes the heartfelt desire of some people to walk the road of self-denial and sacrifice through Lent and meets them on their journey as well.
In my mind, that is one of God's greatest gifts--He takes us each where we are, takes our gifts such as they are, and loves us all equally. Now if we could only do the same for each other.
